PROTECTING GAMING MACHINES AGAINST EMP ATTACKS: WHY SWITCHING FROM PULSE TO SERIAL MATTERS
In today's world of skilled gaming and amusement machines, technology offers incredible experiences — but also opens new vulnerabilities. One growing threat operators and manufacturers must be aware of is the use of handheld Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) devices. These devices can easily interfere with machines, especially those configured with pulse-based inputs for crediting functions.
Understanding the risk — and how to mitigate it — is critical for protecting revenue and maintaining the integrity of your games.
THE EMP THREAT TO GAMING MACHINE
EMP devices emit high-frequency electromagnetic waves capable of disrupting a machine’s internal circuitry. Skilled individuals can exploit this by:
Crediting machines without payment via coin-in, note-in, or key-in pulse lines.
Accessing administrative panels if no password protection is enabled.
Disrupting gameplay through interference with buttons and other peripheral systems.
Because pulse signals operate by simply detecting a high/low voltage event (without authentication), they are particularly vulnerable. An EMP pulse mimics this behavior, tricking the machine into thinking a legitimate credit was inserted.
In short: pulse-based systems are easy targets.
WHY PULSE SYSTEMS ARE VULNERABLE
Pulse communication is simple — a machine looks for a signal that toggles from high to low (or vice versa) to register an event (such as inserting a coin). EMP waves can easily fake these transitions across wires, resistors, capacitors, and chips, crediting machines without any real input.
Key vulnerabilities include:
Bill acceptor pulse lines
Coin acceptor pulse lines
Key-in pulse lines
Centralized printer systems tied into hard meters
If a game still has pulse lines connected — even if other parts of the machine run serial — these wires can act like antennas, carrying false signals directly into the board.
THE SOLUTION: SWITCHING TO SERIAL COMMUNICATION
The best defense against EMP tampering is converting all peripherals (bill acceptors, printers, coin acceptors) from pulse to serial communication (RS232) wherever possible.
Advantages of Serial Communication
Verification: Serial sends structured digital data, not simple high/low signals. EMP devices can't easily fake the required packet protocols.
Security: Harder for unauthorized crediting or control.
Resilience: Serial reduces the risk of false triggering through electromagnetic noise.
HOW TO CONVERT TO SERIAL (DEVICE AND GAME SETTINGS)
For common games and devices, here's a basic guide:
| PLATFORM | PRINTER SETTINGS | BILL ACCEPTOR SETTINGS | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banilla | PHX-SEN02 Dip: 1 On, 2 Off, 3&4 On Configure: ICT GP58CR |
Apex 7000 Serial RS232 (acceptor tools config) |
Remove pulse lines after serial setup |
| Jenka | PHX-SEN02 Dip: 1 On, 2 Off, 3 On, 4 Off Configure: Pyramid |
Apex 7000 Configure MEI (EBDS) |
Disable coin-in port in settings if possible |
| IGS | PHX-SEN02 Dip: 1 On, 2 Off, 3 On, 4 Off Configure: PHX POG CBM1 |
Apex 7000 Default RS232 |
May require firmware update for ST2 emulation |
| Trestle | PHX-SEN02 Dip: 1 On, 2&3 Off, 4 On Configure: Pyramid |
Apex 7000 Configure MEI (EBDS) |
Special attention to edge connector cleanup |
| Primero | PHX-POG Dip: 1 On, 2 Off, 3 On, 4 Off Configure: Pyramid Phoenix |
Apex 7000 Configure TTL |
Use provided 18-pin Molex to DB9 herness |
Important: After switching to serial, you must de-pin and physically remove any old pulse wiring. If left connected, they still act as antennas vulnerable to EMPs!
OTHER RISK MITIGATION STEPS
Password-protect your admin panels if available.
Remove pull-up resistors (example: pin 16 on older POG boards) if boards still show susceptibility even after pulse removal.
Install an EMP Alarm System that detects electromagnetic interference and shuts down equipment.
Review Central Printing Systems that tie into hard meters — they are highly vulnerable if pulse is used. Consider upgrading or supplementing with alarms.
WHY ARE YOU STILL RUNNING PULSE?
If you are currently using pulse on your bill acceptors or printers, it's important to ask why. In almost every case, a safer, more reliable serial setup is available — often with minimal changes in hardware and settings.
If compatibility issues or technical hurdles are your concern, solutions often exist, like firmware updates or protocol adapters. For example, our Phoenix printers and Apex 7000 bill acceptors are designed to emulate popular serial protocols to maximize compatibility.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The reality is simple: Pulse is a vulnerability. Serial is the defense.
EMP attacks are cheap, easy to execute, and increasingly common.
Take steps now to harden your machines and protect your income.
If you need help transitioning your systems from pulse to serial, troubleshooting game settings, or understanding your options, our team is ready to assist.
Protect your games. Protect your profits. Switch to serial.
CONTACT US
Pyramid Technologies, Inc.
1907 S Hobson Suite 122
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 641-9733 - Technical Support
(480) 507-0088
support@pyramidacceptors.com